Are the standard brakes of classic motorcycles low in performance? I customized my brakes.

The popularity of classic motorcycles is rising globally, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s quite rare for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle to start with a classic motorcycle as their first bike. More often, people acquire several modern motorcycles before transitioning to a classic motorcycle.

Recently, there has been an accelerating movement to consider various environmental issues, starting with emissions regulations on a global scale. Many motorcycles that have been banned from sale due to such regulations belong to the classic motorcycle generation.

What makes classic motorcycles appealing is the unique features and mechanisms that could only be achieved at the time of their sale. In this blog post, I will discuss the differences between brakes from that era and modern brakes. While this may lean towards customization, I’m not necessarily advocating for it. Ideally, the standard riding experience is the best.

So, let’s get started!

Basic Considerations for Brakes: Stopping Power, Control, and Stability

Larger disc diameters increase stopping power. The more contact area there is between the pad and the disc, the greater the stopping power. Simply replacing the brake caliper does not inherently increase stopping power. However, changing the brake caliper can allow for different types and sizes of pads to be used. Additionally, it can enhance control and heat dissipation.

Drum brakes offer excellent stopping power but are more susceptible to rain and heat. Their control characteristics are also lower. In contrast, disc brakes provide better cooling, making them more stable in high-temperature conditions.

Is the braking performance of classic motorcycles low?

In summary, the braking performance of classic motorcycles is not inherently low. However, when comparing a CBX1000 equipped with a complete set of recently manufactured brakes to a CBX1000 with well-maintained brakes from 40 years ago, the performance difference is significant. It’s not that the 40-year-old brakes are necessarily degraded or low-performing; rather, modern brake systems have evolved in design and technology, resulting in higher stopping power.

Even with proper maintenance, 40-year-old brakes have inherent performance limitations. The fundamental braking mechanisms may not differ greatly, which is puzzling. Modern brakes utilize improved materials, feature larger and thinner discs, and are lighter. Additionally, tire grip has also improved.

These factors contribute to the higher stopping power of modern brakes. If a motorcycle from 1979 were to operate on roads in 2024, its braking performance could be inadequate and pose a danger. Since these brakes were designed with the traffic conditions of 40 years ago in mind, it’s natural for their effectiveness to feel lacking in today’s environment.

Considerations on Brake Differences Using the CBX1000 as an Example

My CBX1000 is equipped with Brembo’s hard-anodized 4-pot axial mount calipers. While there is a mounting method known as radial mount, which is a generation newer, the calipers I have are a more modern design compared to the standard ones.

Key Differences in Brake System:
1. Caliper Design:
The difference between a 2-pot single-sided caliper and a 4-pot dual-sided caliper is significant. The 4-pot design typically provides more even pressure distribution and better braking performance due to its increased surface area contact with the brake pads.

2.Front Disc Diameter:
There is a notable difference in front disc diameters between 275 mm and 320 mm. A larger disc diameter directly correlates with improved braking power, as it offers a greater leverage effect and heat dissipation.

3. Modern Components:
I am using modern brake pad materials and tires, which enhance the overall braking performance. Modern materials offer better friction characteristics and heat resistance, contributing to a more effective braking system.

Performance Observations:
1. Front Braking Performance:
The front brakes show a significant increase in stopping power. This improvement can be attributed to both the 4-pot caliper design and the larger disc diameter, which together enhance braking efficiency and response.

2. Rear Braking Performance:
In contrast, the rear braking power has decreased, primarily due to the smaller disc diameter used in the rear setup. This reduction in disc size limits the braking force available at the rear wheel, affecting overall braking balance.

Conclusion:
When considering braking performance, the size of the disc plays a crucial role. A larger disc can significantly improve stopping power, particularly in the front brake system. While the caliper design and materials also contribute to overall performance, the size of the discs cannot be underestimated in their impact on braking efficiency. The enhancements made to my CBX1000, particularly in the front braking system, illustrate how modern components can vastly improve performance, although they may create some imbalance in the braking characteristics between the front and rear.

Points to Consider for Customization After Purchasing a Classic Motorcycle.

Brakes and rear suspension are the two key points.

When it comes to brakes, it's not about whether you're riding fast or slow—if your brakes don't work, you're at risk of causing an accident. As mentioned earlier, traffic conditions have changed significantly from the past to the present. This is especially important for large Classic Motorcycles, as they can easily reach high speeds. You might not even realize how fast you're going until it's too late. In such situations, there's a high chance you'll need to brake suddenly.

Next is the rear suspension. In terms of motorcycle maintenance, the rear suspension is a consumable part that should be replaced. If the rear suspension from 40 years ago is still installed, it's likely just a basic spring. It's crucial to replace the rear suspension. The reason why people often say that Classic Motorcycles don’t handle well or stop effectively is usually related to these factors.

Countermeasures: Change to a 4-pot brake caliper or replace the disc.

Specific proposals to enhance brake performance:
1. Replace the brake caliper.
2. Increase the outer diameter of the disc.

Implementing these two changes will significantly improve performance. Generally, both 1 and 2 are done simultaneously. When you replace the caliper, the amount of brake fluid sent to the brake caliper will increase, so it will be necessary to replace the brake master cylinder with a larger capacity one.

In terms of costs, assuming you're only customizing the front end:

・Brake caliper: 25,000 yen x 2 = 50,000 yen
・Caliper support: 25,000 yen x 2 = 50,000 yen
・Brake disc: 45,000 yen x 2 = 90,000 yen
・Brake master cylinder: 20,000 yen
・Labor (assuming it takes one day): 40,000 yen

Total: Approximately 250,000 yen.

The above figures are conservative, and they are expressed in yen. If you use branded parts or bolts, the labor costs will increase further.

Riding Techniques to Enhance Brake Performance

In cases where immediate action cannot be taken regarding brakes due to time or financial constraints, I will guide you through a rider control method as a last resort:

1. Ride in a slightly lower gear position to utilize engine braking.
2. Make full use of the rear brake.
3. Grip the brake lever as hard as possible.
The above techniques are ones I have used in the past.

Regarding point 1: It's essential to use not only the brakes but also engine braking when decelerating. You should also use oil that allows for smooth shift control.

For point 2: Many riders overlook this aspect. In many Classic Motorcycles, the rear disc is often the same size as the front disc, meaning it has significant braking power. Drum brakes also provide high braking force. Riders from the Classic Motorcycle generation tend to use the rear brake for stopping, while modern riders use it for controlling the motorcycle's handling. In terms of stopping power alone, modern motorcycles may have lower effectiveness.

Point 3: Compared to modern motorcycles, you may need to grip the brake lever more firmly. This may not have a significant effect, as sometimes even strong gripping does not lead to effective braking. However, being accustomed to applying more pressure can help in situations that require quick decision-making.

Modern motorcycle suspensions are full of radial components.

Modern motorcycles are equipped with radial tires, radial pumps for the brake master, and radial-mounted brake calipers, showcasing an abundance of radial specifications. Radial tires ensure ground contact and rigidity, radial pumps enhance the feeling, and radial calipers strengthen rigidity. In any case, these components were all non-existent in 1979.

Some things haven’t evolved in 40 years.

Here's a little trivia: there are mechanisms in motorcycles that have not evolved much over the years. One of these is the chain. While there may have been improvements in details like sealed chains and material strength, the transmission methods to the rear wheel are still one of the following:

・Chain drive
・Shaft drive
・Belt drive

In the future, we might see a technological revolution where motors are integrated into the wheels or magnetic forces are utilized, potentially becoming affordable and widespread.

Can frame rigidity be outperformed by braking performance?

I have encountered people who say that when replacing the brakes, frame reinforcement is necessary. I can't say it's completely untrue. In reality, it depends on the case. If a frame bends because of braking on a powerful bike, it’s likely due to either a design flaw in that frame or an existing crack in the frame itself.

Using the CBX1000 as a reference, even large motorcycles of that time could reach speeds of 200 km/h. Would a motorcycle that can reach 200 km/h have its frame broken just because the braking performance improved? Conversely, if there were a braking system powerful enough to break the frame, it would be a significant technological innovation.

This is just my opinion as an amateur. I really don’t know the actual situation. Generally speaking, a slight increase in brake strength should not lead to frame failure.

It’s scary to get used to low performance.

When you continue riding the same motorcycle, you might not notice its low performance. Even if you think it’s fine for a motorcycle not to have high performance, it could actually be significantly underperforming. To avoid this, I recommend attending test rides for the latest motorcycles. Even if you have no intention of buying, it’s the job of salespeople and manufacturers to make you consider purchasing. Feel free to participate in test rides and make sure to share your reviews widely on social media.

It’s often cheaper to overhaul parts rather than purchasing new ones! However…

Many Classic Motorcycle brake calipers can have their seals replaced, and overhaul parts are often readily available as genuine manufacturer parts. Sometimes, you can even order the calipers themselves from the manufacturer using the same part number as back in the day. By polishing and overhauling, you can restore the performance to that of the new model or something close to it.

However, it's also common for the performance of new models from that time to be considered low by today's standards. If you plan to ride on highways or tour alongside modern motorcycles, you should consider upgrading your brake performance. It's a given that your motorcycle should be in good condition, but in today's world, a certain level of performance is also necessary.

The effect of replacing the brakes on the CBX1000 was outstanding.

The way brake performance improves varies depending on the type of motorcycle. In my case with the CBX1000, the brake performance has significantly improved. I’ll describe the front setup:

・Brembo CNC hard-anodized 4-pot racing axial mount: 200,000 yen
・Brembo radial master Corsa Corta: 50,000 yen
・Sunstar brake disc, 320mm full floating: 90,000 yen
・Swage-Line braided hose: 20,000 yen
・Caliper support: 50,000 yen

In total, it roughly costs about 410,000 yen. This does not include labor costs, so the total amount is even higher. Including the parts reused from the CB1100F, the total spent on the front modifications is likely between 500,000 and 600,000 yen. From a performance standpoint, I’m very satisfied with the results. However, it’s hard to comment on the costs. It could serve as a down payment for a new motorcycle.

Perhaps I didn’t need to invest that much into the CBX1000. I’ve also replaced the rear brakes, which adds to the overall cost. Using cheaper calipers and brake masters could significantly reduce expenses. Since I decided to make the replacements, I opted for higher-priced products that are usually available for purchase.

If special orders are placed, costs for the parts, delivery time, and machining fees can increase. I selected parts available in shopping malls. When the braking system is solid, it also enhances the motorcycle’s controllability, making it very enjoyable to ride.

My CBX1000 features racing calipers and full-floating discs, resulting in less rotational resistance in the discs and very high braking force. However, the specifications require careful attention to durability and maintenance.

Are the standard brakes of classic motorcycles low in performance? I customized my brakes.【summary】

This section is a summary. I was surprised by the performance increase, as well as the cost.

To determine the improvement in performance, the type of brake caliper and the size of the disc are key factors. For motorcycles from the replica boom of the late '80s and '90s, significant performance enhancements may not be as noticeable even with custom modifications. Upgrading the braking system could also compromise the original image of the motorcycle.

Please carefully consider your riding style before making any modifications. Depending on the cost of customization, you might be able to purchase a modern motorcycle with better performance.

See you again!

Photos of the CBX1000 Brake Upgrade

I will include before and after photos of the brake system. Please take a look to see how much the overall feel and appearance change with the brake upgrade.